The lazy, hazy and crazy days of summer used to be a time for Wall Streeters to collectively kick up their heels and sip a margarita on the beach. August was traditionally the dullest month on the street, as seasoned traders, hedge fund honchos, and big bank bigwigs flocked to the Hamptons, Cape Cod and points further. But what's happened to the expected and much anticipated summer lull? First it was the run-up to the deadline on the debt ceiling talks that put a stall on summer vacation...

For senior professionals looking to replace a C-suite role, the idea of working as a turnaround professional can often be an attractive move, especially for people who thrive on change. Whether it’s a few months or a year, the assignment is short-term. Typically, private equity firms scour for turnaround specialists to run portfolio companies. So, having connections in the industry can be invaluable. According to John M. Collard, chairman of Strategic Management Partners, a turnaround firm,...

Continuing cyberattacks like those mounted against Target, eBay and Apple are pressuring companies to emphasize security even more than they have been to date. When it comes to hiring, that’s adding to the importance of certifications in IT audit, security, governance and risk. In many cases, that importance is translating into pay premiums for professionals that hold the credentials. Click here to see security jobs. Among the certifications in greatest demand are those from ISACA, an...

Efficiency is a major key to the success of each and every insurance agency. But while it seems like an obvious factor to consider, it's often largely overlooked. The challenge for agents begins with setting priorities and determining the best ways to meet goals. At the end of the day, efficiency is really about improving performance and maximizing time and effort. And it's something that every agency needs to consciously address. Here are the top three tips to make your practice run much...

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) make great clients for any growing agency. Today's SMBs employ the bulk of the nation's workers, and the need for life and health insurance certainly adds up. If you do your homework and truly understand the SMBs to which you're pitching, you'll find a wealth of new sales opportunities. Here are a few effective ways to find SMB leads. Once you get your foot in the door, check out these tips on how to win over SMB leaders. Generating SMB Leads The best...